The History Channel Presents: The War of 1812 (2004)

The History Channel Presents: The War of 1812 Poster

Synopsis

The History Channel Presents: The War of 1812 is a comprehensive, definitive chronicle of America's forgotten conflict, which came to be known as the "Second War of Independence." This curated collection brings together five premier historical documentaries and special features to capture the full scope of a young United States declaring war against Great Britain's global superpower. From the tactical battlegrounds of Canada and the burning of Washington, D.C. to the technological birth of high-seas ironclads and the monumental victory at the Battle of New Orleans, the collection combines dramatic reenactments, period letters, and expert analysis. More than just a military history, this definitive anthology charts the critical trial by fire that forged the American identity, gave birth to the national anthem, and birthed a new era of iconic leadership.

First Air Date: 2004-09-12

Last Air Date: 2004-09-12

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 5

Networks: History

Top Cast

Edward Herrmann as Narrator
Mark D. Hutter as James Madison
Sally E. Bennett as Dolley Madison
Dave Fagerberg as General Andrew Jackson
Alan Gerhardt as Francis Scott Key
H. David Wright as General Samuel Smith
Jay Eben as General John Gibbs
Xavier Allen as Charles Ball
Steve Abolt as Self - Military Historian
Victor Suthren as Self - Historical Consultant

Seasons

Season 1 (2004)

Season 1 of The History Channel Presents: The War of 1812 premiered on February 22, 2005.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: First Invasion: The War of 1812 (2004-09-12)

The centerpiece documentary detailing President James Madison's perilous decision to declare war on Great Britain. It chronicles the conflict from early military blunders and the invasion of Canada to the devastating British retaliation, including the burning of Washington, D.C.
Ep. 2: Save Our History: The Star Spangled Banner (1998-12-03)

An investigative look into the birth of America's national anthem. The episode traces the history of the stars and stripes flag flying over Fort McHenry and details the story behind the patriotic poem penned by Francis Scott Key during the British bombardment of Baltimore.
Ep. 3: The Battle of New Orleans (2000-01-31)

A deep dive into one of the most lopsided and strategically stunning military victories in American history. It covers how General Andrew Jackson cobbled together a ragtag army of militia, pirates, and freed slaves to decisively defeat a veteran British invasion force after the peace treaty had technically already been signed.
Ep. 4: Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People (1995-09-29)

An acclaimed installment of the A&E Biography series. This episode unveils the complex and fiery man behind the legend, charting his trajectory from a ruthless Indian fighter and military general to his legacy-defining tenure as the seventh President of the United States.
Ep. 5: The Ironclads (1998-04-22)

A detailed, revealing look at the evolution of naval warfare and the specific wooden battleships put to sea during the War of 1812. It explores the technological naval advancements that allowed the young, heavily outnumbered American navy to challenge Great Britain's legendary Royal Navy on the high seas.